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April 1, 2025
ITEM TITLE
Acceptance of the General Plan 2024 Annual Progress Report and Submission to the State of California Report Number: 25-0056
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: Development Services
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice : The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Accept the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report for Calendar Year 2024.
SUMMARY
The General Plan Annual Progress Report (“APR”; Attachment 1) is a state required informational report prepared each year that is sent to various state agencies showing the City’s progress in implementing the policies and goals found in its General Plan. California Government Code Section 65400(a)(2) requires the City Council to consider the APR at a public meeting and to submit the report to the state by April 1st of each year.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Director of Development Services has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment.
Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Thus, no environmental review is required.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable
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DISCUSSION
Background
The City of Chula Vista’s General Plan is a long -term policy document that provides the vision, goals, and general policy guid elines which the City uses to guide future land use and natural resource decisions. All cities and counties in California are required by state law to have a general plan that is comprised of at least seven mandated elements. Those elements include land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, and safety.
Specifically, the City expresses its commitment to achieving this long -term vision in the General Plan ’s Implementation Plan (“Chapter 11”). Chapter 11 provides the framework through which the City can review and monitor the effectiveness of the General Plan as the City works toward achieving its vision of a vibrant community with opportunities for comfortable and safe living, recreation, and economic development that enrich the lives of its citizens.
Statutory requirements
Government Code Sections 65400 and 65700 mandate that each local jurisdiction submit an annua l report on the status of its General Plan and progress on its implementation for each calendar year. State law requires that the local legislative body review the A PR prior to submittal to the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
The APR helps inform the LCI of local planning activities and provides the local legislative bodies and the public with information regarding the implementation of the General Plan for their city. This gives LCI the opportunity to identify statewide trends in land use decision making and how local planning and development activities relate to statewide planning goals and policies. The APR is due to both agencies on April 1st of each year.
Report structure
The APR provides information on projects and activities undertaken by the City in 2024 that are in alignment with and help to realize the vision of the General Plan which was last comprehensively updated in 2005. The report organizes these activities under these categories:
• Introduction
• Background
• Housing Element Report
• Housing and Homelessness
• Development Services
• General Plan Amendments
• Ordinance Amendments
• City Projects - Highlights
• Conclusion
A few highlights from this year’s APR include:
Chula Vista Bayfront:
A partnership between the Port of San Diego and City of Chula Vista, the redevelopment of the 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront envisions a world-class destination in the South Bay – a unique place for people to live, work P a g e | 3
and play. Much of the development and construction of the Bayfront’s crown jewel, the Gaylord Pacific Resort hotel and convention center, occurred during 2024, and the grand opening is slated for 2025.
Safety Element Update
The City adopted the Safety Element as part of the General Plan. The adoption of the Safety Element meets the requirements of S enate Bill 1035 and other state legislative requirements and was instrumental in the City achieving a Fire Risk Reduction Community List designation. This designation can result in Chula Vista homeowners qualifying for reduced fire insurance premiums from their respective providers.
Comprehensive Code Update
The City has embarked on a n extensive effort to streamline and clarify development processes and regulations while keeping the Zoning Code in compliance with state laws. In 2024, the City revised numerous sections of the Chula Vista Municipal Code through a series of updates designed to bring both clarity and predictability to the constituents of Chula Vista and the development community alike.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council member s do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware and has not been informed by any City Council member of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There are no current -year fiscal impacts as a result of this action. All staff time and costs to prepare this report were included in the current fiscal year budget.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There are no ongoing fiscal impacts as a result of this action.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Staff Contact: Robin Luna, Associate Planner, Development Services D. Todd Philips, Ed.D., Planning Manager/Zoning Administrator, Development Services